Community Corner: Bay Area Nonprofit Celebrates Trafficking Survivors

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Freedom House, a locally based nonprofit, has been invested in rebuilding the lives of trafficking victims one by one for the past three years. In their upcoming fundraiser, they plan to celebrate the achievements made so far as well as raise funds to further their work in reaching more survivors.

"We have helped probably almost 150 survivors to this point," said Executive Director of Freedom House Jaida Im. "We've had many survivors including international as well as domestic survivors and labor as well as sexual trafficking cases."

KCBS' Connie C. Kim talks to Executive Director Jaida Im:

IM said they were able to celebrate their recent graduates who were able to land jobs and live independently. The organization has also seen a growth in community partnerships that has really allowed the program to thrive.

Freedom House plans to open a new home specifically for teenage victims this fall. IM explained the great need to expand their services to minors because of the tremendous amount of referrals they received. Freedom House works closely with law enforcement and community partners to identify survivors of human trafficking.

This extended program for ages 12-17 will include counseling support as well as recreational activities to help recapture their interrupted youth which they were never able to enjoy.

Freedom House's annual fundraising gala is on May 4th at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Foster City and will feature keynote speaker Preacher and best-selling author Francis Chan and include a testimony from a recent Freedom House graduate.

For more information on Freedom House and the upcoming gala, please visit www.FreedomHouseSF.org.

Editor's Note: Tickets are now sold out but to place your name on the ticket waiting list, contact FreedomHouse2013Gala@gmail.com.

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